Why
a new organization?
We need to have our own lobbying organization looking out specifically for
our interests in Annapolis. There is no such organization in
Maryland. Although the prospect of taxing computer services
was raised in the first five days of the Special Session, we were
absent. And we got stuck with the bill.
Savvy industries
in Maryland create statewide lobbying associations to advocate
for their interests. Industries like these understand the legislative
process:
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American Massage Therapy Association
-
American Society of Landscape Architects
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Maryland State Builders Association
-
Maryland Bankers Association
-
Maryland Association of Realtors
Their advocates were in Annapolis during the Special
Session and raised the alarm when their clients were
targeted for the sales tax. Massage and fitness
professionals did push-up's on the State House grounds.
Landscapers circled it with their trucks and trailers.
The movements to tax them went away.
The legislative special session may be thought
of as an advertisement for [lobbyists]. The record will show that if
you had a lobbyist, you were more likely to escape revenue-raising
unscathed. If you didn't have a lobbyist, you were sitting there
waiting to be scathed (by taxes). Computer services companies took a
$200 million hit, one of the few new taxes on services. Isn't there
a manual called CYA For Dummies?
Dec 2, 2007 - Baltimore Sun, C.
Fraser Smith
But aren't my Chamber
and my Tech Council handling this now?
They're making it a top priority and giving it everything they've
got, but by no means is it clear that efforts to repeal the tax will
be successful. Steep obstacles remain. They need our help! And we'd better step
up. It's OUR livelihoods, after all.
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Why do we need more lobbying power?
Because this won't be easy! There is some sentiment among the
legislators to repeal the tax, but they don't know where they'll
find the $200M+ to replace what they believe the computer services
tax will generate. So it will be difficult for them to let go
of us. We need all the assistance we can get to help them figure
it out. Plus, there are 188 Senators and Delegates.
That's a lot of persuading, especially for a tough item like this.
Has anybody donated?
Yes! Our Charter Members contributed generously. And
we have received similar contributions from many of your peers.
More contribute each week. We need YOUR
contribution, too. Even if just a token amount, contribute,
and go on record as a supporter!
What will you do with the money?
We already hired one of the top lobbying teams in the state.
We need more money to keep them on the job through the session, and
to hire more talent to strategize, lobby and build an environment
conducive to repeal of the tax.
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What should I do now?
Go to www.MarylandNeedsIT.org.
Register. Give us your stories. Contribute funds. Enroll your peers.
What should I do next?
If you registered at www.MarylandNeedsIT.org,
wait for a call to action. We are preparing a broad, coordinated,
targeted mobilization of all voters .
We will provide call plans, legislator visit plans, speaking
points, coaching, and so on.
We are the industry behind Internet campaigns.
We are the data mining and social media professionals. We are
the people who make flash crowds. If any industry can mobilize itself, it should be ours!
BE HEARD. REPEAL THE TAX.
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